On our December trip my son is proposing to his girlfriend. I decided to throw a small family dinner/ engagement party for those of us traveling at that time. My goal was a table for 10 at 'Ohana at 7PM. What followed has been a comedy of errors, I am certainly having the most difficult time I have ever had making an ADR.
Try .5) Let's start with the fact that my computer has been in the shop for the last week, and my 180+ day for December was yesterday. Ultimately that's OK though because I forgot to wake up when reservations went live in the morning.
Try 1) No computer no problem! I'll just do it on MyDisneyExperience on my phone. However, I soon discovered that I hadn't connected the resort reservation yet, so it wouldn't let me book on the day that I wanted. I also hadn't written down my confirmation number anyplace so that I could just enter it in the app.
Try 2) I figured that was fine, I would call DVC Member Services and they would hook me up. After being on hold for about 10 minutes I got to talk with Bob, who said he would be happy to help. The only problem was that there were no tables for 10 available at 'Ohana, and nothing at all available at 7PM. This put a huge wrench in my plans, because I had this evening gathering all planned out in my head. I wanted family style service, so I could control my costs, and I was hoping to head to the beach for fireworks afterwards. We discussed several options and I told Bob I would have to think about it and call back. Bob wanted to make sure that I had some sort of reservation, so he booked me two tables at 'Ohana (one 6 person, one 4 person) at 9:05 and 9:10pm. That was the best he could do, and the reason those times were available was obviously because everyone would be down at the beach watching the fireworks.
Pause and Think) I hung up and considered my options. I was looking for a family style or pre-fixe meal, at a hotel or Disney Springs. I did not want a buffet. I have several picky eaters. With a budget of $50 per person (plus tax and tip), I couldn't afford a signature restaurant. Ideally someplace we could view the fireworks afterwards, but that was negotiable. I dove into research mode and quickly became frustrated trying to find Someplace besides 'Ohana that would fit the bill.
Until the lightbulb went off and I remembered that Wine Bar George has awesome food, and they do family style platters. Hoorah for WBG! Plus the wine drinkers would be perfectly happy imbibing from their amazing selection. Champagne Toast? No problem.
In the mean time my computer comes back from the shop - Hoorah!
Try 3) I try to book WBG online through Open Table. No luck, too far in advance.
Try 4) I try to book WBG online through Disney. No luck, but the error message tells me to call.
Try 5) I call Bob back at DVC Member Services and tell him of my change in plans. He says no problem and I hear the tippy tappy of his keyboard while he attempts to book. He groans, because of course by now he knows my story, and tells me that he isn't able to book a table for more than 7 at WBG, but the error message he got said to called the restaurant directly for larger parties. Bob gives me the phone number for Wine Bar George.
Try 6) I call WBG and tell them what I need. The girl who answered the phone says that they can absolutely help me with that, but that they only take reservations for parties that large via email. She gives me her manager Jamie's email address. At this point I was done. Stick a fork in me, no more brain power down. I decided I would give it another shot in the morning.
Try 7) This morning I sent Jamie an email, explaining what I needed.
Now I am waiting... waiting...
waiting...
If I don't hear from Jamie by Friday, I may break down and cry. Never in my life have I had this much trouble figuring out where I was booking a family dinner at Walt Disney World. How long has 'Ohana been a "make it first thing in the morning 180 days in advance" reservation?
Does anyone have any words of encouragement or advice? I could sure use them.